AMVAC to distribute Vintec biofungicide in the U.S.

AMVAC, an American Vanguard Company, announces that Vintec, a biological fungicide, is now registered in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is pending state regulatory approval. The product will be distributed by AMVAC, a shareholder of Belgium-based Biological Products for Agriculture (Bi-PA) and a distribution partner for Bi-PA's product portfolio in the Americas.

"AMVAC is excited to offer almond growers this biological fungicide as part of our growing crop protection portfolio," said Senior Vice President of U.S. and Canada Crop Sales and Application Technology Scott Hendrix. "We look forward to launching Vintec Fungicide into almonds and potentially other crops in the future."

The development work on Vintec has been conducted by researchers at the University of California - Davis under the guidance of AMVAC Chemical Corporation.

Vintec Fungicide contains a new microbial strain as the active ingredient called Trichoderma atroviride strain SC1 which is a naturally occurring fungus that obtains nutrients from decaying organic matter. It is anticipated that growers will apply Vintec Fungicide using their current conventional equipment to control grape esca and almond canker disease following pruning. Its multiple modes of action provide excellent, long-lasting control of these disease complexes.

The EPA stated that the active substance in Vintec Fungicide does not require a maximum permissible level for residues. The Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) classified the fungicide in category BM02 (Biologicals with Multiple Modes of Action). Data submitted to EPA in support of T. atroviride SC1 demonstrated it was safe to humans. There is a non-toxic mode of action and there are no known adverse effects to non-target organisms.

"After having obtained the registration of Vintec in Europe several years ago, the EPA approval for Vintec is another major milestone for Bi-PA," said CEO of Bi-PA Johan De Saegher. "Biological solutions are key for future sustainable production of food and feed, and Bi-PA will contribute with its pipeline in this market."

Vintec Fungicide was discovered by Fondazione Edmund Mach and Trentino Sviluppo S.P.A. and developed and registered by Bi-PA in Europe in 2017.